Online Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health
Norman, USA
Master of Public Health
DURATION
20 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 24,150
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
About: The Online Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health at the University of Oklahoma prepares professionals to address health disparities and lead community-based population health practice. You'll study epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences, with emphasis on programme design, evaluation, and policy. The programme is entirely online, letting you balance work and life.
Career Outcomes: Career opportunities include leading community health assessment, programme management, policy analysis, epidemiological research, disease surveillance, health equity initiatives. You're ready for roles in local and state health departments, hospitals, nonprofits, CDC, WHO, universities, federal government agencies and international partners.
The online Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health at the University of Oklahoma is designed for professionals who want to make a real difference in public health. This program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to understand and address health disparities, design community health programs, and influence health policy.
You'll study core public health disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and social and behavioral sciences, with a specialized focus on community-based approaches to population health. The program is delivered entirely online, allowing you to balance your studies with work and personal commitments.
OU's faculty bring real-world experience from public health agencies, nonprofits, and government organizations. Whether you're working in local health departments, international NGOs, or healthcare organizations, this degree positions you to lead evidence-based initiatives that improve health at the community and population level.
This program suits healthcare professionals, community health workers, public health practitioners, and professionals from related fields like nursing, social work, or environmental health who want to advance their careers. You're a good fit if you're interested in population-level health challenges, policy development, and community engagement.
The program also welcomes career changers who are passionate about public health but may lack formal public health credentials. Working professionals benefit from the online format and flexible scheduling.
Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. OU’s dedicated financial services team will support you through every step of the funding process—so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.
For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office.
OU’s online Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health prepares graduates to:
- Understand and address today’s most pressing public health issues, respond to emerging population health challenges, and lead in community health advocacy
- Build in-demand skills in data analysis, leadership, communication, and health education—areas where many professionals fall short
- Gain a competitive edge in the job market by mastering the principles of population and community health
- Earn a respected degree from the University of Oklahoma, a globally recognized institution ranked among the best in online education
- Stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry as public health challenges grow in scale and complexity
- Expand your professional network through OU’s global community of alumni, faculty, and public health leaders
- Become eligible to sit for the National Board of Public Health Examiners exam and pursue certification in public health
Upon graduation, you'll be qualified to lead community health assessments, design and evaluate population health programs, develop public health policy recommendations, and work in epidemiological research and analysis. You'll be prepared for senior-level roles in public health agencies, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and government positions that require community and population health expertise.
Graduates pursue careers as epidemiologists, community health directors, public health program managers, health policy analysts, disease surveillance specialists, and health equity officers. You can work in local and state health departments, CDC, WHO, nonprofit organizations, hospitals and healthcare systems, universities, and government agencies focused on population health improvement.
OU Online offers the flexibility you need to pursue an advanced public health degree without relocating or leaving your job. The program is delivered by a university with a solid public health foundation, and the online format allows you to engage with faculty and peers across the country. You'll develop practical skills through community-focused coursework while maintaining your professional responsibilities.
The MPH in Community and Population Health is offered in a fully online, flexible format built for working professionals. Earn your degree in as little as 20 months while maintaining full-time employment and managing personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized expertise in community and population health—on your schedule, at your pace.
With a strong focus on health and the healthcare system, the MPH in Community and Population Health delivers a comprehensive foundation in essential public health disciplines. Students explore key topics in epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, the U.S. healthcare system, and more, preparing them to lead in diverse public health settings.
*Students will choose six additional credit hours of electives from approved College of Public Health lists.
Course Structure
You’ll earn 42 credit hours across 16 courses. You’ll take 2 to 3 courses each semester. Spring and Fall semester courses run for 16 weeks, while Summer semester courses run for 8 weeks. You can expect a time commitment of 7 to 9 hours per week per course.
Courses are mostly asynchronous with pre-recorded lectures. Only one courses features live lectures, but these are not mandatory and are recorded for those who cannot attend.
- Biostatistics Methods I
- Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
- U.S. Health Care System
- Health Care Policy and Politics
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
- Program Planning for Health Promotion
- Practicum Preparation Seminar
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Qualitative Methods in Public Health
- Computer Application in Public Health
- Epidemiology and Prevention of Chronic Diseases
- Integrated Public Health Practice
- Public Health Practicum